Electrical system mounting assembly

Abstract

Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance. The brackets are disposed generally parallel to the first and second channels when the channel separation is near the preferred minimum distance and are disposed generally orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the first and second channels when the channel separation is near the preferred maximum distance. In one application, a plurality of U-shaped adapters are located intermediate each bracket and the second channel to adapt the bracket lower end configuration to the contour of the second channel.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. The method of supporting and stabilizing an elongated electrical distribution intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels comprising the steps of: 
       fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from, the distribution;  
       engaging a portion of the distribution with the first channel;  
       introducing a plurality of mounting brackets intermediate the distribution and the second channel with each mounting bracket adjacent a corresponding leg; and  
       fastening each leg to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, and fastening each leg to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein each mounting bracket is elongated with an axis of elongation extending generally parallel to the first and second channels when the channel separation is near the preferred minimum distance and extending orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the first and second channels when the channel separation is near the preferred maximum distance. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  including the step of introducing a plurality of U-shaped adapters intermediate each bracket and the second channel to adapt the bracket lower end configuration to the contour of the second channel.